UGC Warns Colleges: No More Delays in Exams or Degrees — Strict Action Will Follow

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued a stern warning to universities and higher education institutions across India: any delay in conducting examinations or issuing degrees will invite strict action. The commission said such delays are directly harming students’ careers and future prospects.

UGC Puts Universities on Notice

UGC has written to all Vice-Chancellors and college principals, reminding them that the Commission has the legal authority to take strong punitive action if institutions continue to ignore timelines. Repeated complaints about delayed examinations and late issuance of degrees have forced the Commission to take a tough stand.

UGC has made it clear:
If institutions fail to follow the rules, they will face consequences.

Delays Cost Students Job Opportunities

UGC has observed that many universities do not conduct examinations on time, and even after results are declared, students often do not receive their degrees or final certificates within the stipulated period.

As a result:

• Students lose out on good job opportunities because they cannot furnish mandatory documents.
• Academic plans are disrupted when students cannot enroll in the next course due to missing certificates.
• Those planning to study abroad also face serious complications.

Experts Raise Concerns

Education experts say that after completing their graduation or post-graduation, students often want to pursue higher studies or professional programs. Even when they clear admission formalities, the absence of degrees or mark sheets puts them at a disadvantage. The situation is worse for students applying overseas, where timelines are strict and documentation is mandatory.

What the UGC Regulations Say

According to the UGC (Grant of Degrees and Other Awards by Universities) Regulations, 2008, universities must:

• Publish a complete academic calendar.
• Clearly specify the dates for issuing degrees in the academic calendar.
• Award degrees within 180 days of announcing the exam results.

These rules were framed to bring discipline and uniformity in the academic processes of all higher education institutions.

UGC’s Final Warning

The Commission has now adopted a firm stance and directed all universities to strictly follow UGC norms under all circumstances.

“Delaying exams and degrees will not be tolerated. Students’ careers cannot be compromised,” the UGC stated.